Oncology and Cancer Nursing Practice Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering cancer definitions, types, warning signs, nursing priorities, and pharmacological treatments based on lecture notes.

Cancer

Characterized as uncontrolled cell growth where cells divide rapidly, do not die when they should, and can spread to other parts of the body.

Metastasis

The medical term for when cancer spreads from one part of the body to another or different organs.

Benign

An abnormal growth of tissue that is noncancerous, does not spread, and stays in one specific part of the body.

Malignant

Cancerous growth that is very invasive, spreads to different organs, and metastasizes.

Hyperplasia

A state where a normal cell becomes big or enlarged Due to overgrowth.

Lymphedema

Swelling, often in the arm, caused by the removal of breast tissue and lymph nodes during a mastectomy, requiring the use of compression sleeves.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve pain or damage that can be a complication of cancer or side effects of treatments like chemotherapy.

Hypercalcemia

An oncologic complication where calcium leaks into the blood, leading to increased calcium levels.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A condition where the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone, causing excessive water retention and low blood sodium.

Melanoma

A common type of skin cancer originating from dark moles on the skin.

Biopsy

A diagnostic test where a sample of tissue is removed from a tumor or mass to be tested for cancer.

Staging

The method of classifying cancer from stage $0$ to stage $4$ based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.

CAUTION

A nursing acronym for cancer warning signs: C (Change in bowel/bladder habits), A (Sore that doesn't heal), U (Unusual bleeding/discharge), T (Thickening or lump), I (Indigestion/difficulty swallowing), O (Obvious change in wart or mole), N (Nagging cough or hoarseness).

Extravasation

A complication during chemotherapy administration where medication leaks from the vein, potentially burning the veins and causing black tissue.

Porta-cath

A device implanted under the skin that goes straight to the veins to deliver chemotherapy; must be accessed only by a Registered Nurse to prevent infection.

Reverse Isolation

Protective measures used when dealing with an immunocompromised patient to prevent them from catching infections from others.

Tamoxifen

A hormonal agent and estrogen receptor blocker used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, specifically breast cancer.

Neutropenia

A condition defined by a very low white blood cell count, putting a patient at high risk for infection.

Hematopsis

The presence of blood in phlegm or coughing up blood, which may be a manifestation of lung cancer.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

The number one screening test used to detect prostate cancer in men.

PSA Test

A blood test used for diagnosing prostate cancer that shows high numbers if the disease is present.

Stoma

An opening created in the intestine during surgery for conditions like colorectal cancer, connected to an ostomy bag.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin or eyes, often seen in cancers affecting the liver or pancreas.

Antineoplastic Drugs

Medications used to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer by targeting dividing cells.

Cyclophosphamide

An alkylating agent that damages DNA to prevent cell replication; its key risks include bone marrow suppression and hemorrhagic cystitis.

Hemorrhagic Cystitis

Inflammation or bleeding in the bladder that can be caused by the drug Cyclophosphamide.

Methotrexate

An antimetabolite drug that interferes with DNA/RNA synthesis; it is known for causing liver toxicity.

Doxorubicin

An antitumor antibiotic used in cancer treatment that carries a high risk of cardiotoxicity (damage to the heart).

Vincristine

A mitotic inhibitor drug used to stop cell division; a key risk factor is peripheral neuropathy.

Mucositis

The development of painful sores in the mouth, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Alopecia

Temporary hair loss caused by antineoplastic drugs affecting hair follicles.

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count

A diagnostic value used to monitor for infection; normal levels are between $5000$ and $10000\,mm^{-3}$.

Platelet Count

A lab value monitored for bleeding risk; normal range is between $150000$ and $400000\,mm^{-3}$.